Learn to Lead With ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration Major
Gain foundational skills in accounting, finance, economics, marketing, and management — all while enjoying the flexible framework of ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration major. The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business degree (our Bachelor of Science with a Major in Business Administration) positions you to apply innovative business concepts to your other passions — from marine science to neuroscience and beyond.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s College of Business Centers can help boost your career with practical learning and networking opportunities in areas like sales or sports marketing. Want to bring out your inner entrepreneur? Take courses in our Makerspace or participate in the Student Innovation Challenge competition.
Why ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ for Your Bachelor’s in Business Administration
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration major gives you the flexibility to complete a concentration, minor, or double major that reflects your passion or that empowers you to respond to a unique market opportunity. Learn how to run a business with coursework that covers the full span of business operations.
- Interdisciplinary — learn to apply business principles to your interests in health, the environment, and elsewhere
- Industry-applicable education
- Access to multiple internships
- Learn to lead within modern workplace dynamics
- Innovation and entrepreneurship courses
- Makerspace for innovative ideation and prototyping
- Receptive to students’ interest in emerging markets
- Choice of several concentration areas including management, economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more
Kristin Dechene Campbell ’16
As a double major in Psychology and Business Administration, I had the opportunity to take two complementary perspectives on issues such as motivation in the workplace and research-based decision making. I discovered a passion for applied data analysis in my research methods course, in which I designed a study that found positive effects of exercise on short-term recall. I also gained valuable workplace experience through my internship with Unum, a Fortune 500 company located in Portland, and a consulting project with L.L. Bean. I graduated from ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ with a diverse set of experiences and an inspiration to continue learning.
My psychology background has been integral throughout my MBA program because I was already proficient in the data analysis and critical reading and writing that was required at the graduate level. I graduated this past May and am encouraged that my background at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ has given me a strong foundation for career success.
My background at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ has given me a strong foundation for career success.
What will you study? Bachelor’s in Business Administration Curriculum Overview
Whichever concentration you choose — accounting, business management, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, health sector management, or marketing — you’ll complete five courses in your concentration area to tailor your degree for your career goals.
The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Business Administration major offers:
- Environmental Economics
- Innovation through Technology
- Human Resource Management
- Business and Society Relations
- Legal Environment of Business
- Predictive Analytics
Curriculum
| Nor’easter Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 40 |
| COB Foundation Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics | 3 – Fulfills Power Knowledge & Justice - Social Science Core |
| BUEC 204 – Microeconomics | 3 – Fulfills Power Knowledge & Justice - Open Core |
| BUMG 120 – Innovation Through Technology | 3 – Fulfills Creativity and the Arts Core |
| MAT 120 – Statistics or MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences or MAT 151 – Statistics for Environmental Sciences | 3 – Fulfills Quantitative Reasoning Core |
| Total Credits | 12 |
| Other COB Foundation Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BUFI 315 – Business Finance | 3 |
| BUMG 200 – Management | 3 |
| BUMG 325 – Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| BUMG 495A – Internship/Experiential | 3 |
| BUMG 498 – Strategic Management | 3 |
| BUMK 200 – Marketing | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 |
| Business Administration Major Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUAC 303 – Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| BUFI 205 – Intro Data Analysis or DSC 225 – Computer Programming I | 3 |
| BUMG 101 – Introduction to Business/Excel | 3 |
| BUMG 302 – Human Resource Management | 3 |
| BUMG 311 – Business & Society Relations | 3 |
| BUMG 313 – Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship or BUMK 312 – Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management | 3 |
| BUMG 335 – International Management | 3 |
| Five (5) Elective Courses from the College of Business | 15 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
To learn more about the program visit the Academic Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Business Administration Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Meet Pat, Business ’21
A business major (and lifelong hockey goalie) who designed a helmet camera and proprietary computer interface in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s P.D. Merrill Makerspace, Pat’s invention allows hockey players to study fine points of body motion and position.
Career Paths for Business Administration Majors
Grounded by your technical knowledge of how to run a business and equipped with people skills acquired from teamwork, hands-on experiences, and internships, you will stride along the path to an exciting career in business. Your coursework and experience in your concentration area will make you even more marketable in the career path you choose.
Our graduates have pursued many fascinating professions, including:
- Entrepreneur
- Market Research Analyst
- Public Relations expert
- Financial Advisor
- Human Resources Manager
- Sales Manager
- Loan Officer
- Accountant
Career Advising in the Business Administration Program
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Start Your Career in College With the Women in Business Club
A Flexible Foundation for Your Business Studies
As a first-year Business Administration student at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, you’ll take a variety of courses that help set the foundation for some of our other business degree programs. You can feel confident launching your college career with this major, knowing you’ll have mentorship to help you consider other business majors in a way that keeps you on track.
Bachelor’s in Business Administration Facilities
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Makerspace is an innovative campus resource that serves as a laboratory for creation and building. You’ll discover how to run a business using cutting-edge technology in our Fabrication Lab and Design Lab.
Solving Real-World Problems in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Makerspace
Using Drones in Research Through the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Makerspace
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration
The Business Administration major puts you in real-world settings and challenges you to find solutions to actual industry problems. So you don’t just learn how to run a business — you do business.
Internships for Business Administration Majors
Receive course credit while developing your skills and interacting with professionals. As you build confidence, you will network in your field—whether that’s in health sector management, social innovation and entrepreneurship, economics or marketing—explore career options, and gain the perspective to successfully transition into the workforce. Past internship sites have included the following:
- American Red Cross
- NASA
- IBM
- Geico
- Smithsonian Institution
- Southwest Airlines
For more information, contact the Internship Office.
Hands-on Learning
- Use innovative technology and design in the Makerspace
- Compete in the annual Student Innovation Challenge
- Be part of the Green Learning Community first-year experience
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business Student Gains Valuable Sales experience with Internship
Meet Dean Norm O’Reilly
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ is proud to announce Norm O’Reilly, Ph.D., a leading scholar in the business of sports, inaugural dean for the University’s recently established College of Business. O’Reilly joins ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ with two decades of leadership experience in higher education, including his most recent role as dean of the Portland-based Graduate School of Business at the University of Maine (UMaine).
In his time at UMaine, O’Reilly oversaw the establishment and growth of business programs for Maine’s public universities, notably the MaineMBA which now numbers more than 400 students. He enhanced interdisciplinary education opportunities by growing its MBA concentrations and increasing dual degrees with partnerships within many sectors, including law, engineering, and public policy. He also spearheaded multi-university fundraising initiatives and significant projects, including the highly successful MaineMBA Academy and the Maine Brand Study.
Accreditation
The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration Program is accredited by the .
Report to Communities of Interest and Student Achievement (PDF)
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future and study business in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration? Get started today.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration FAQ
What is a business administration degree?
A business administration degree is a well-rounded program that prepares you for administrative or managerial roles by teaching you various aspects of business, such as accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, and marketing.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine offers a flexible business administration program through its College of Business, allowing students to specialize in one of six concentrations, or create their own in areas like economics, health sector management, international business, management, marketing, or social entrepreneurship.
Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration
What can you do with a business administration degree?
A business administration degree is highly versatile, preparing students for various careers in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and more. The predicts above-average job growth in business and financial occupations from 2022 to 2032.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business Administration graduates have pursued diverse careers like accountants, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, HR managers, sales managers, PR specialists, loan officers, and market research analysts. ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ students can also benefit from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have specific career goals or general field interests.
How much can I make with a business administration degree?
As of September 2023, the average salary for a business administration major in the U.S. was about $72,503, as reported by . Common salary breakdowns by job for business administration majors according to the * include:
- Accountant: $78,000
- Budget Analyst: $82,260
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists: $67,780
- Cost Estimators: $71,200
- Financial Analysts: $96,220
- Financial Examiners: $82,210
- Human Resources Specialists: $64,240
- Market Research Analysts: $68,230
- Personal Financial Advisors: $95,390
- Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents: $75,120
How long does a business administration degree take?
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration typically enroll in a four-year program. However, transfer students from other colleges with eligible credits can complete the degree in two years.
To achieve a two-year bachelor's in business administration as a transfer student, you usually need either an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 transferable credits. Make sure to verify the eligibility of your transfer credits.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine generally accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, AP, CLEP, accredited military training programs, and, to some extent, prior experiential learning, subject to certain restrictions.
Learn more about how to apply to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ as a transfer student
If you are interested in applying to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s business administration degree program as a first-year student, we also want to simplify the process as much as possible.
First-year high school students should:
- Submit either a Common Application or the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Application along with a $40 application fee.
- Provide an official high school transcript.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ follows a test-blind admissions policy, which means ACT or SAT scores are not considered for general admission. Instead, we assess your overall high school experience.
Learn more about how to apply to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ as a first-year student
How do I get a business administration degree?
A business administration degree is commonly presented as a four-year program, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the business world. However, the specific program requirements differ among schools.
At ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine, you'll be required to finish 120 credits to obtain your degree. Our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration is designed to work together with the University’s liberal arts core curriculum. This includes:
- 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
- 6 credits of designated core courses
- 45 program required courses
- 15–16 credits of business elective required courses in your concentration
- Variable elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits
Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s business administration curriculum
What’s the best business administration degree program for me?
To evaluate whether a business school fits your needs, start by looking at these important criteria. This list below can help you choose which business administration degree program is best for you.
Faculty
Seek out business administration professors whose expertise matches your interests, whether it's in areas like management, marketing, finance, or related fields. Make sure their research interests and professional backgrounds align with your own.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s College of Business faculty are experienced, skilled and supportive offering relevant curricula that will help prepare students to thrive in and face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Meet faculty and professional staff in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s College of Business
Curriculum
Evaluate the business administration program to suit your preferences, considering areas such as management, marketing, finance, or related subjects, as well as opportunities for business administration internships.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Business Administration program offers flexibility, allowing you to choose a concentration, minor, or double major that aligns with your interests or market opportunities. Concentration options include marketing, management, economics, international business, social innovation and entrepreneurship, and health sector management. We also offer joint degree programs in Marine Entrepreneurship and Sustainability and Business.
We emphasize hands-on learning through various opportunities such as utilizing innovative technology in the Makerspace, participating in the Student Innovation Challenge, joining the Green Learning Community to focus on conservation, and enhancing your professional skills through internships.
Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s business administration curriculum
Career goals
Choose a business administration program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.
The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ College of Business is committed to helping students achieve their personal and career goals. We prepare students for entry-level positions in the private or public sector and offer graduate-level coursework preparation. Our Business Administration majors engage in experiential learning, preparing you for rewarding careers and leadership roles with prominent employers in Maine and nationwide.
According to our 2016-2022 ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ graduate surveys, 95% of our undergraduates are either employed or pursuing higher education, including MBA programs, within a year of graduation. Zippia ranked ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ as the top university in Maine for job placement in 2022. Students can also seek guidance from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have a specific career path in mind or a general interest in a field.
Learn more about Career Advising at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
Learning environment
Consider the location and environment that best supports your business school journey.
As a ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business student, you can study on our beautiful Biddeford, Maine Campus, near the Saco River's convergence with the Atlantic Ocean. We also offer a unique semester abroad program in Tangier, Morocco.
Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s campuses and how you can visit us
You'll have access to various opportunities, including internships, mentorship, and interdisciplinary fellowships through ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Office of Innovation and the P.D. Merrill Makerspace.
³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Global Education program lets you study abroad in Spain, France, Iceland, or our own campus in Morocco for a semester. You can also choose from shorter travel courses to destinations like Ireland, Mexico, Kenya, Italy, Cuba, and more.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
Financial aid
Consider whether the school you're interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.
A ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine, undergraduate education is affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
For more information contact Program Director Amir Mousavian at smousavian@une.edu.